PORT TOWNSEND — The City Council voted 6-1 late Monday evening to ban chain stores from the city’s historical districts.
About 75 residents packed tightly into the council meeting room downtown to comment or listen to thoughts on the proposed “formula store” ordinance that would regulate such stores.
The proposal, which passed the council’s first reading with Councilwoman Laurie Medlicott casting the only no vote, would limit such corporate establishments to certain city commercial zones and out of the historical district.
The proposed ordinance, drafted by citizens opposing the opening of a Hollywood Video store on West Sims Way, first was the subject of a forum in front of the council Monday night.
Retired attorney David Goldman, together with activist Ian Hinkle of the citizens group Stop Hollywood Video, had drafted the ordinance, campaigned for public support and brought it to the council.
“Now we need you to lead,” Goldman told the council during the public comment period preceding the vote.
Opening the discussion, City Attorney John Watts summarized key points of the ordinance.
If the City Council passes it, Watts said, the ordinance would regulate formula retail or restaurants that have a standardized array of services or merchandise, trademarks, logos, symbols, decor, layout or uniform design.
Under the proposal, such stores cannot be located in the city’s historical downtown district, cannot exceed 3,000 square feet in size or occupy more than two stories.
Watts warned that other municipalities, such as Bainbridge Island, have adopted a similar ordinance and were challenged in court.
